HSBC email announces rate drop to 4.25%

Another email from HSBC to coincide with the lowering of their Online Savings Account rate. That’s down into VirtualBank and ING Direct territory, and well below Apple Bank’s Grand Yield Savings account. It looks like I’m going to have to switch away from HSBC. I was content when they were within a few tenths of a percent from the top rates, but this isn’t cutting it.

The subprime market fallout’s effect on HSBC is all over the papers, but I wonder how much the other, smaller online banks have been affected.

We are writing to inform you that based on the recent drop by the Federal Reserve, HSBC Direct has adjusted your Online Savings Account rate to 4.25% APY*. At 9x the national savings average**, you are still earning one of America’s highest savings rates.

HSBC Direct will continue to evaluate and respond to market changes so we can provide you with competitive rates. And if your rate changes, whether up or down, we are committed to always letting you know.

You can feel confident knowing your savings are with HSBC Direct. We’re part of HSBC Group, one of the largest financial institutions in the world, and have over 140 years of experience helping customers manage their savings.

We sincerely appreciate you saving with HSBC Direct.

Jean Carrow
Vice President
Customer Relationship Center HSBC Direct

HSBC Direct deposit accounts offered by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC. Deposits are insured to the maximum permitted by law.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for the Online Savings Account is accurate as of 12/19/2007. APY is variable and subject to change. Minimum balance to open is $1.00.

** National savings average courtesy of Bankrate.com as of 12/13/2007.